Cuba News 1982
Source: Cuba News. vol. II, no. 6; May-June 1982; published by the Embassy of Cuba in Grenada;
Transcribed: for marxists.org by David Adams.
Fidel Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and Maurice Bishop, leader of the New Jewel Movement and Prime Minister of the People's Revolutionary Government of Grenada, met on June 7, during a brief stopover in Cuba by Prime Minister Bishop, en route to the German Democratic Republic and Bulgaria.
In the fraternal atmosphere characterizing relations between Cuba and Grenada, the two leaders exchanged impressions on the main problems facing the international community and reviewed the development of bilateral relations between their two countries. Later that evening, Fidel bid farewell to Bishop and the Grenadian delegation at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
After only one week on the best-seller list in Cuba, by May 14th, Grenada, New Jewel of the Caribbean had jumped to second place among new non-fiction titles. This book, by journalist Jorge Luna, was published for March 13th, the third anniversary of the Grenadian revolution. It was first presented in Grenada, and later released in Cuba. An English version is said to be forthcoming soon.
Journalist organizations in Cuba and Grenada ratified an agreement for mutual cooperation last May in Havana, "guided by the common aspirations of the peoples of Grenada and Cuba in the struggle for peace, national independence and development."
The Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) and the Media Workers Association of Free Grenada (MWAFG) are to join together in several programs to increase the skills and professional capabilities of their members, promote a better understanding of each other's countries, and encourage a regular exchange of delegations and materials. They will extend to visiting journalists from the other country professional facilities and other assistance; and several Grenadian students are offered scholarships to study at the International Center for the Preparation of Journalists scheduled to open soon in Havana.
Ray Donald, MWAFG President; and General Secretary of UPEC, Ernesto Vera, signed the 9-point accord.
The Embassy has instituted the granting of a special certificate to honour Grenadians who have made "an outstanding and unselfish contribution to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of Grenada and Cuba." The award is presented on behalf of the Embassy and on behalf of all the Cuban internationalist workers in Grenada.
"We think this certificate can be one way of showing how deeply we appreciate the many kindnesses and genuine hospitality shown by the people of Grenada towards the Cuban workers who have come to their country," explained Ambassador Rizo.
Twenty-one members of the St. George's and Grenville Airport Development Committees were the first recipients of the newly created award, in a ceremony on the third anniversary of Grenada-Cuba diplomatic relations, in Grenville April 4th.
They are: Theresa Simeon, Alimenta Bishop, Roylyn Nyack, Anne Bain, Rae Sylvester, Germaine Woodruffe, Ruby Checkley, Theresa St. Hilaire, Ruby Grant, Phyllis Squires, Ann Bihsop, Evelyn Frank, Nita Williams, Itha Bain, Anita Johnson, Barbara Donald, Geraldine Lenton, Catherine Kepple, Angela Cape, Agatha Sylvester and Veneeta Smith.
Two of Cuba's most outstanding musicologists spent 10 days in Grenada in May to carry out the first part of a study of Carriacou music, included in the cultural agreement between Grenada and Cuba. The purpose of their research is to record and document the various songs, dances and instruments that form part of Carriacou's musical tradition-and also to trace its roots to the various peoples of the world who have made a contribution to what is today unique to Carriacou. These materials, a final report, and copies of a record of Carriacou music will be presented to Grenada's Ministry of Education and Culture when the study is completed.
Dr. Argeliers Leon (Head of the Department of Music at Casa de las Americas and Musicology Professor at the Superior Institute of Arts in Havana) and Dr. Olavo Alen (Head of the Centre for Research and Development of Cuban Music and Musicology and Musicology Professor at the Superior Institute of Arts in Havana) also offered a conference on Cuban and Caribbean music during their stay, sponsored by the Grenada Music Society and the Embassy. Eduardo Rivero (dance tutor and lead dancer in the Cuban National Dance Ensemble) participated in the program as well, in an evening of informal discussion hosted by Mrs. Nuala Menezes for the Music Society.